Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System
Active
- Assistance listing
- 15.553
- Agency
-
Bureau of Reclamation
Department of the Interior
- Grant awards
- 6 $370,982,799 in federal obligations
Program facts
- Also known as
- ENMRWS
- Assistance types
-
- Cooperative Agreement
- Project Grant
- Treasury account
-
- 14-0680-0-1-301
- More information
Program details come from SAM.gov Assistance Listings. Updated . Grant award figures come from USAspending.gov.
About this program
The Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $371 million in federal grants to construct and complete the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, a multi-phase project delivering potable surface water from Ute Reservoir to the municipalities of Clovis, Elida, Portales, and Texico, Roosevelt County, and Cannon Air Force Base, with the most recent award issued in May 2022 and the next key completion deadline of September 30, 2026 (CFDA 15.553).
The program funds the design, environmental review, construction, and administration of a surface water supply infrastructure project serving approximately 60,000 people currently dependent on the rapidly declining Ogallala Aquifer. Funded activities include feasibility and environmental studies, detailed design, booster pump stations, transmission pipelines (including the 15.5-mile Finished Water One conveyance pipeline), advanced metering infrastructure, conservation measures, and associated site improvements and appurtenances. The Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region administers agreements through its Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, the entity created solely to oversee project delivery. As stated in program guidance, no new projects will be added to this program; all remaining federal funding is directed toward completion of the single authorized project.
Grant awards split evenly between Cooperative Agreements (three awards totaling $548.6 million in obligations) and Project Grants (three awards totaling $23.4 million in obligations). The Bureau of Reclamation is the sole funding agency across all six awards issued since 2012. Combined federal and non-federal obligations total $572 million, indicating a cost-share contribution of $201 million from recipients. Award cadence has been sparse, with single awards in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022.
Recent representative awards include Cooperative Agreement R22AC00674 (May 2022, $427.4 million, project completion through June 30, 2030), Cooperative Agreement R21AC10443 (September 2021, $77 million, Finished Water One conveyance pipeline through September 30, 2026), and Project Grant R15AP00194 (September 2015, $18 million, Elida booster pump station design and construction). No current grant opportunities are posted.
Objective and description
- Objective
Provide potable surface water to communities in Eastern New Mexico.
- Description
Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority was formed for the sole purpose of administration of this new water supply project for the surrounding communities. The Project would pipe 16,450 acre-feet of surface water per year from Ute Reservoir to the eastern New Mexico municipalities of Clovis, Elida, Portales, and Texico currently relying on the declining quantity and quality of the Ogallala Aquifer. Roosevelt County, and Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB) are also beneficiaries of the Project. The present population of the Project service area is about 60,000 people.
Eligibility
- Applicant eligibility
Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority was formed for the sole purpose of administration of this new water supply project for the surrounding communities.
- Beneficiary eligibility
The Project would pipe 16,450 acre-feet of surface water per year from Ute Reservoir to the eastern New Mexico municipalities of Clovis, Elida, Portales, and Texico currently relying on the declining quantity and quality of the Ogallala Aquifer. Roosevelt County, and Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB) are also beneficiaries of the Project. The present population of the Project service area is about 60,000 people.
- Uses of assistance
The Project will be constructed, owned, operated, and maintained by the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, the Project's local sponsor.
- Length and time phasing of assistance
March 31, 2024, for FW3 Financial Agreement and September 30, 2026, for FW1 Financial Agreement. Mostly 5-year Financial Agreements for each component being built.
How to apply
- Preapplication coordination
In December 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a concurrence memorandum which completes the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation. In January 2011, a Finding of No Significant Impact was signed, thus completing National Environmental Policy Act compliance. Also in January 2011, a Memorandum of Agreement was executed between the Authority and Reclamation describing roles and responsibilities during construction of the Project.
- Application procedure
As funding becomes available, it's awarded towards the projects completion that was authorized in FY 22. No new projects will be added.
- Award procedure
Once the parties agree with the scope of work and/or budget allocations, the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region finalizes the agreement and/or modifications. Responsibilities for needs assessments, feasibility and environmental studies, design, conservation measures and administration are to be included in agreements negotiated under this authority.
Grant awards
Top recipients by federal obligations
| Rank | Recipient | Federal obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority | $370,684,122 | 100% |
| 2 | Rancho California Water District | $298,677 | <1% |
Federal obligations by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Federal obligations |
|---|---|
| FY2025 | $19,325,000 |
| FY2024 | $30,045,000 |
| FY2023 | $94,137,930 |
| FY2022 | $177,347,910 |
| FY2021 | $14,641,181 |
| FY2020 | $14,750,000 |
| FY2019 | $4,288,000 |
| FY2018 | $5,840,000 |
| FY2017 | $4,865,000 |
| FY2016 | $2,280,000 |
| FY2015 | $750,000 |
| FY2014 | $2,712,777 |
Show all 12
Quick answers
What is Assistance Listing 15.553?
Assistance Listing 15.553 is Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, a federal grant program run by Bureau of Reclamation (Department of the Interior).
What is the CFDA number for Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System?
Its CFDA number is 15.553: Assistance Listing numbers were called CFDA numbers before 2018.
How much funding has Assistance Listing 15.553 awarded?
6 grant awards under 15.553 have obligated $370,982,799 in federal funds to 2 recipients.
Who receives the most funding from 15.553?
The recipients obligated the most under Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System are Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority ($370,684,122) and Rancho California Water District ($298,677).
How much did 15.553 obligate in fiscal year 2025?
Grants under 15.553 obligated $19,325,000 in federal funds in fiscal year 2025.
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